A Journey of Growth: How EO Transformed My Leadership and Life
Shivani Gupta
Discovering EO: A Catalyst for Change
In 2016, I joined EO with the hope of connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and learning how to grow my business. At the time, I had already transitioned from a career in engineering into leadership and then entrepreneurship. My life was busy, balancing work and family with my husband Scott and our two children, Shanti and Om. But what I didn’t expect was how much EO would transform not just my business, but my life as a whole.
EO has been nothing short of a game changer. Over the last eight years, I’ve learned how to scale and exit my businesses, become a better mother and partner, and even prioritize my health. The impact EO has had on my personal and professional journey is immense.
Leading by Listening: The Path to Leadership Growth
My leadership journey within EO started almost immediately when I was asked to be a day chair in my first year. That role led to a seat on the chapter board and, eventually, a position on the APAC Regional Council as Product Director.
Throughout these roles, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the power of listening. Instead of always jumping in to share my expertise, I’ve found that taking a step back to listen can be far more impactful. It’s taught me to reflect on how I can best serve others and has deeply influenced how I lead within EO and beyond.
Memorable Milestones: Creating Lasting Impact
One of my proudest moments within EO has been curating the very first tenured member events at both the University and GLC. Watching long-time members fully engage with the programs we created was incredibly fulfilling. Seeing them reinvigorated and excited about what EO had to offer was a highlight of my journey.
On a more personal level, EO has also inspired changes at home. For the past three years, my family has been holding a weekly one-hour forum on Sundays. This space has allowed us to discuss our feelings and work through challenges together, and it has significantly strengthened our family bonds.
Words of Wisdom: Why Leadership is a No-Brainer
If you’re considering stepping into a leadership role within EO, my advice is simple: Do it! The return on investment, both personally and professionally, is undeniable. In most areas of life, what you put in is what you get out. But with EO, I’ve found that I get back two, five, sometimes ten times what I invest. It’s a no-brainer.
Curious about which role suits you best? Take this quick questionnaire to find your match: Path of Leadership Questionnaire and discover where your EO leadership journey could begin.